US Bridges

US 31 Nbl over Alabama River

Fair

Montgomery County, Alabama · 0.6 MI S of Elmore CO Lin · Structure no. 005089

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
2,311 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
10,450
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 31 Nbl over Alabama River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying US 31 Nbl over Alabama River in Montgomery County, Alabama. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 10,450 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,424 by 2033. The structure is 2,311 ft (704.4 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 31 Nbl
CrossesAlabama River
Location0.6 MI S of Elmore CO Lin
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyMontgomery County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.41, -86.40833
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating52.5 US tons
Inventory rating31.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+35 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length2,311 ft (704.4 m)
Longest span220 ft (67.1 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,450 (2013)
Projected traffic13,424 by 2033
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$17 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 31 Nbl over Alabama River built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 31 Nbl over Alabama River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does US 31 Nbl over Alabama River carry?

About 10,450 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 31 Nbl over Alabama River?

The structure is 2,311 ft (704.4 m) long with a longest span of 220 ft (67.1 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns US 31 Nbl over Alabama River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.